Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles Recipe
Delight in the festive flavors of these Juicy Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles, featuring a silky dark chocolate ganache infused with fresh orange zest and coated in crunchy chocolate sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a decadent homemade gift, these truffles combine rich cocoa with bright citrus notes for a luxurious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 90 ml (around 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons) heavy cream
- 200 g (7 oz) dark cooking chocolate (40% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
- 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Mis-en-Place and Infuse Cream: Finely chop the dark chocolate and grate the orange zest, then set aside. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and prepare a shallow bowl with chocolate sprinkles. In a small saucepan, combine cold heavy cream with orange zest and gently heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges but not a rolling boil, then immediately remove from heat to avoid scorching.
- Create the Ganache: Add chopped chocolate to the hot cream and let sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Then, whisk gently from the center outwards until the mixture is smooth and uniform, forming a rich ganache.
- Chill the Ganache: Pour the warm ganache into a shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm yet pliable enough to scoop and roll.
- Form and Coat Truffles: Using a small spoon or mini ice cream scoop, portion the ganache and roll quickly between palms to make smooth balls. Immediately toss each truffle in chocolate sprinkles, pressing gently to coat fully.
- Final Chill and Storage: Place coated truffles on the parchment-lined tray and chill for an additional 30 minutes to set the coating and firm the truffles. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use a high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the cream is gently heated and not boiling to prevent a grainy ganache.
- Chilling times are important for firm but pliable ganache and well-set truffles.
- Rolling quickly prevents the ganache from melting in your hands.
- Store truffles in the refrigerator and consume within one week for optimal freshness.
Keywords: Chocolate truffles, orange zest, holiday dessert, chocolate ganache, Christmas treats, homemade truffles, chocolate sprinkles
